Pastor’s Conference Wrap-Up

We conducted the Kumasi Pastors' Conference on Monday and Tuesday mornings. About 50 pastors came the first day, and about 60 the second day. These pastors are part of a pastors' fellowship in Kumasi, and include ministers from many different denominations. The sessions opened with a time of song and prayer, and, as many of the pastors are Pentacostal, speaking in tongues. Then I was invited to give my presentation.

On the first day, we used the subject of food in the Bible to show the concept of dispensations. We looked at God’s instructions to Adam, to Noah, to Moses, to Peter and to Paul. We pointed out how the instructions changed and even, at times, contradicted each other; therefore it is possible for a preacher to be "biblical" and "scriptural" but still be wrong if he fails to recognize which instructions are meant for him, "rightly dividing the word of truth."

Everyone agreed that there is much disagreement about doctrine among the believers and churches in Kumasi, and they seemed to see that there is a need to study the Bible dispensationally if we are going to be "approved unto God."

On Tuesday morning, we took 1 Cor. 2:7-8 and explained the mystery from those two verses: that it was ordained by God before the ages, kept hidden, then revealed to the apostle Paul; that one day we're on to glory; and why it had to be a secret. If Satan had known God’s plan, he never would have crucified the Lord.

Many of the pastors were getting a whole new understanding of the Bible and the excitement in the room was palpable. I tried to illustrate and dramatize the truth to make it plain, and the pastors were often cheering and praising God. We went for nearly two hours, and when we finished, the pastors asked that the sessions be continued. They have never heard of the mystery and they said they needed to know more so that they could take this teaching back to their churches in Kumasi and in the surrounding villages. Pastor Peter, who has labored alone for many years, was overjoyed at the response of the pastors. We added another session on Thursday evening at Grace Bible Church, when we will continue the teaching on the message of grace.

A spiritual battle is always being waged, and these pastors need our prayers - that "the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened."